TN2028 Rankings Overview (Part Three)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Volunteer State has started to become a hotbed for offensive and defensive linemen and our 2028 crop looks to be quite talented with plenty of prospects destined for the college game. Here we go inside our new "Tennessee Top 150" to breakdown the top trench monsters from our junior class and what they could be bringing to the next level. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Our new junior prospect rankings are live and chalk full of next level talent that includes multiple players destined for the Power Four, D1 playing stage. There was some tough scouting to do as several positions are stacked full of talent while other positional groups are lacking depth right now. This will all change as we go through the upcoming season and into the off-season months as some players will regress while others jump forward. I also see players listed inside our new “Tennessee Top 150” that have big potential but have yet to put everything together, which means I expect some prospects to develop and raise their stocks over the coming months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deep, Talented O-line Class</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Each and every year, the state of Tennessee continues to pump out college level O-linemen and the 2028 crop looks to keep the trend going. As things look right now headed into the 2026 season, it's a solid class that I think will get better and deeper as time goes on but at the moment, we have 17 total offensive blockers inside our “Tennessee Top 150” with nine of them placed in the “Top 100”.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was honestly a tough call between two players when it came to picking the top ranked O-lineman but for now, we went with BGA big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='423394' first='Koehn' last='Dial']</strong>. Ranked 4th overall, the Wildcats 6 '7 junior has the college look along with deceptive athleticism and physicality that translates well to the college game. Dial is a versatile blocker as well as I could see playing tackle or guard in college but that depends on his continued progression over the next two years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting right behind Dial at 5th overall is Lipscomb Academy offensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2182382' first='Ty' last='Hathaway']</strong>. This 6'5 big man may have the most upside of any O-linemen in this class. The Mustangs junior is highly athletic with an easy moving lower base, good arm length and a wide radius that helps him engulf pass rushers and keep them away from his quarterback. Hathaway does need to keep getting bigger and stronger but all the athletic tools are in-place for this Nashville native to form into a college left tackle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/">Tennessee Top 150</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MBA might have one of the better O-line units in the state this year, led by junior tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205374' first='Mason' last='Wells']</strong>. This 6 '5 athletic blocker (32nd overall/3rd OL) burst onto the scene this off-season and immediately started generating interest and offers due to his makeup at becoming a left tackle on the college stage. Wells has a nice build with room to get bigger along with an athletic skill set that displays pass blocking potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest human beings within our 2028 O-line class is Baylor big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704258' first='Dante' last='Wade']</strong>. The Red Raiders junior (37th overall/4th OL) stands 6'7 300 pounds and I think Wade has room to get bigger and stronger as he gets into a college weight system. Mainly handling tackle for his Baylor team, Wade has a chance to remain on the outside but only if he continues to enhance his lower half agility and athleticism. I personally think his game fits best on the interior at guard where Wade can become a mauling, physical run blocker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A potential stock riser to keep track of this coming season is Alcoa junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2090696' first='Caden' last='Gang']</strong>. The Tornadoes offensive lineman (45th overall/5th OL) brings athleticism and a nice build to the playing field that has plenty of room for growth. Gang sports an agile lower base that allows him to excel with his pass blocking but also displays tenacity that shows up in the run game. More time will be needed to build up his body but I like the building blocks with Gang and his potential on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2103292,"width":"249px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.9805924412665986","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/124-Caden-Gang.png?w=707" alt="" class="wp-image-2103292" style="aspect-ratio:0.9805924412665986;width:249px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding O-linemen that can play left tackle is tough to find but I think <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2166201' first='Bryson' last='Hardy'] </strong>(53rd overall/6th OL) has the potential to handle the blindside in college. The Pope Prep junior has the build and overall look needed to block on the outside along with excellent athletic upside that deal with the pass rush. Hardy moves well, displays good foot speed but for him to sustain himself at tackle, the Knights big man must get bigger and stronger while playing more physically in the trenches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth offensive guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles'] </strong>(58th overall/7th OL) has steadily improved and gotten better over the off-season months where he has landed several college offers but could push things to bigger heights with a breakout junior year. Physical and strong at the point of attack, the Tigers O-lineman shows good work in the run game along with upside in his pass protection. Coles does need to keep working on his agility, bend and explosiveness but I see the potential in college as mauling run blocker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two offensive guard prospects round the “Top 100” with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734274' first='Andrew' last='Carlin'] </strong>(82nd overall/8th OL) from McCallie and MBA big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704636' first='Jake' last='Meinhardt']</strong>. Both these guys are physical run blockers with good athleticism, which says they have potential with their pass protecting. Carlin impressed us at our Winter Showcase earlier this year with his physicality and technique sound game play and has continued to improve along the way. Meinhardt (83rd overall/9th OL) may be one of the more physical blockers we have in this class that has built up his body well while enhancing his athleticism.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=OL" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=OL">TN2028 Offensive Line Rankings/Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just missing out on the “Top 100” but could raise his stock this Fall is Greeneville junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1727798' first='Dillon' last='Hartman']</strong>. The Green Devils offensive guard (106th overall/10th OL) is a brute mauler on the interior that drives opponents off the ball with his balanced lower base and powerful upper body. Hartman is a true guard prospect that can push his game to new heights with enhanced lower body agility and athleticism while continuing to form his body and frame.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New to Knox. Catholic and the state of Tennessee, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2223080' first='Yourick' last='Carre-Pembele'] </strong>is in consideration as one of the top center prospects from our TN2028 O-line class. Standing 6 '3 275 pounds, Pembele (117th overall/11th OL) has good size with broad shoulders and arm length along with good lower base athleticism. The Fighting Irish interior O-lineman moves well, showing lateral quickness and the ability to stay in front of his opponent. Pembele does need to keep getting bigger and stronger but I see nice potential with him, especially in the middle snapping the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlett junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704252' first='Landon' last='Plunk'] </strong>(129th overall/12th OL) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588842' first='Grant' last='Vinson'] </strong>(130th overall/13th OL) out of Baylor are two true offensive guard prospects that bring girth, power and player displacement to the gridiron along with deceptive athleticism that can be enhanced further. Plunk is the better athlete of the two with a nice wide bodied frame and a powerful lower base. Vinson is a wide based space eater too that improved a ton under the Red Raiders teaching. Both these guys have the college size desired with an opportunity to boost their stocks with strong junior seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1598773,"width":"211px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7968862407998377","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/109-Grant-Vinson-rotated-e1736531410745.jpg?w=816" alt="" class="wp-image-1598773" style="aspect-ratio:0.7968862407998377;width:211px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a standout sophomore season, McKenzie O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088653' first='Hunter' last='Winstead']</strong> (132nd overall/14th OL) is someone I have my eyes on moving forward due to his combination of athleticism, agility and power. This West Tennessee prospect may be one of the more hidden gems that we have within the 2028 O-line class. Winstead has a nice build and he moves well, showing good lower body movements and foot speed along with a wide upper body that can fill out much further. I'm actually quite high on this guy and think Winstead will garner more interest after the coming season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holding a few offers in-hand already, Ensworth junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599119' first='Eli' last='Coles'] </strong>(134th overall/15th OL) is a versatile prospect that could develop at all three interior O-line positions. Standing 6'3 290 pounds, the Tigers big man shows good athletic movements on film along with flashes of explosive blocking. He brings a physical approach to the game as well with room to form his body better while gaining more strength. Looking into the future, I could see Coles developing at guard but I like his upside best as a potential center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last two ranked O-line prospects inside our “Tennessee Top 150” are center prospects that I think can boost their stocks with strong junior campaigns. These two centers would be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2049733' first='Lucas' last='Bello'] </strong>(144th overall/16th OL) from Stewarts Creek and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037300' first='Asher' last='Noe'] </strong>(145th overall/17th OL) out of Concord Christian. Bello has nice physical size with good athleticism and power that can be developed much further. He also has a nice frame to pack on additional pounds. Noe is an athletic, interior big man that shows clean snaps while getting into his stance quickly. He too has room to get bigger while increasing his power profile. I like both these guys and think both could have a bright future on the college level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2173605,"width":"218px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/lbello.webp?w=670" alt="" class="wp-image-2173605" style="width:218px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Overall D-line Class in Years!&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The one position here in Tennessee that hasn't shown a lot of depth over the years is the defensive line but maybe things are changing, especially when you look at our TN2028 class. This may be the deepest, most talented D-line crop in some time but several prospects down the rankings must develop further and progress throughout the coming season. I do like the potential with this group as I see several possible Power Four, D1 prospects with a few guys sporting possible pro upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked 2nd overall and first among the D-lineman is Ravenwood junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff']</strong>. Transferring to the Raptors this off-season, this 6'5 athletic, wide bodied big man has all the physical tools and traits to become a multi-year, high impact player on the college stage. Woodruff has the power and size to become an excellent run stopper while also having enough athleticism and burst to rush the passer as well. Further development is needed with his technique but Woodruff is dripping with next level potential and talent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Potentially the top nose tackle prospect in this class is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565681' first='Devin' last='Phillips'] </strong>(18th overall/2nd DL) from East Nashville. Standing 6 '3 295 pounds, Phillips is a force in the middle that provides excellent strength and natural power but is also athletic with the ability to rush the backfield. I think in time, the Eagles big man will form into a true space eater in the middle that mainly stuffs the run but could get after the quarterback on occasions or when called upon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2242248,"width":"195px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/devphillips.webp?w=394" alt="" class="wp-image-2242248" style="width:195px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knox. Catholic versatile D-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2118712' first='Keagan' last='Covington'] </strong>(19th overall/3rd DL) could be on the verge of a breakout season, especially if he starts to assert his dominance. Covington shows flashes of outstanding play but could really ramp up his motor and produce even more. This coming season could be where the Fighting Irish junior starts to put things together and begins using his athleticism and size to wreck havoc on the opposition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently transferring to MASE from Pure Academy, defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2231184' first='Chase' last='Jefferson'] </strong>(25th overall/4th DL) is a fast rising prospect that has already generated three Power Four offers and many more could be on their way. What stands out about this Memphis area big man is his athleticism, burst and release off the line as well as his combination of speed to power. Jefferson displays upside at being a solid run stuffer in college while also having the ability to rush after the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two potential stock risers to follow this coming season are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206384' first='Jamaris' last='Pittman'] </strong>(36th overall/5th DL) from MASE and new Lipscomb Academy defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris']</strong>. Seeing significant game action for the 1st time last year as a sophomore, Pittman is a budding star that is still far from a finished product but displays next level upside as a potential edge setting defensive end. Harris (38th overall/6th DL)&nbsp; is a versatile, interior big man with a solid skill set of stopping the run while providing the occasional pass rush. If the Mustangs defensive prospect can develop his body further while enhancing his athleticism and power, big time programs may start extending offers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting from his freshman season at Westview, 51st ranked&nbsp; D-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'] </strong>(7th DL) heads into the 2026 season as one of the more experienced players at his position in the state that has yet to break through with offers. I believe that changes soon as Hickman is too talented to be bypassed much further. What I like about the Chargers big man is his versatility. You can place him in the middle to disrupt things or work him off the edge stopping the run. Hickman does need to get bigger and stronger but the athleticism and motor are there to put forth a strong junior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood Academy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='983676' first='Khris' last='Rice'] </strong>(57th overall/8th DL) is an interesting prospect to scout as he doesn't bring the ideal physical look to the field but makes up for it with an active motor and power. The Eagles D-lineman looks the part of a college edge setter at defensive end that uses his quick first step and strength to get blockers off their stance then turn up the motor towards the ball. I see pass rushing upside with Rice but it's his ability to set the edge could be his calling card on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two defensive end prospects that are dripping with potential are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2102390' first='Zyan' last='Brown'] </strong>(61st overall/9th DL) from Ravenwood and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2233983' first='Dylan' last='Latimer'] </strong>(66th overall/10th DL) out of Father Ryan. Both these guys have the physical tools and traits desired on the Power Four level but Brown and Latimer have a lot of room for growth yet to go. Brown stands tall at 6'5 with good arm length but must improve his bend, release off the snap and his closing speed. Latimer is a wide radius, long armed edge setting defensive end that may have some of the best long term potential in this group but must crank up his motor while gaining more speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2102389,"width":"272px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.4027795817638655","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/zbrown.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2102389" style="aspect-ratio:1.4027795817638655;width:272px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Any coaches looking for a true nose guard, GCA junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038498' first='Will' last='Pasley'] </strong>(89th overall/11th DL) fits the bill. This massive interior D-lineman is a definite space eater that commands double teams but shows deceptive athleticism to release and chase after the ball. I see good potential with the Rams big man but he must get in better shape while increasing his overall skill set to become an impact performer on the collegiate gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next college stud to come from the Munford football program looks to be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662515' first='Dakota' last='Lumm']</strong>. This interior D-lineman (90th overall/12th DL) shows upside as a disruptive prospect from his tackle position that fires off the snap well and gets to the ball quickly. Some of the best interior pass rushing upside from this class resides with Lumm but to fulfill his potential, the Cougars big man must get bigger and stronger, adding to his power while continuing to enhance his overall skill set.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CPA rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='989275' first='Houston' last='Payne'] </strong>(91st overall/13th DL) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2239937' first='Jiles' last='Bryant'] </strong>from Briarcrest Christian<strong> </strong>(101st overall/14th DL) are two guys that display the ability to stand up off the edge and rush the passer or put their hands in the dirt and work the end versus the run. Payne is still forming into his body while improving his skill set but I can see playing a versatile role in college where he does a little bit of everything off the edge. Some of the same can be said about Bryant. The Saints defensive prospect has a compact, thick build but moves well, showing good athleticism, powerful hands and the ability to rush the passer. I could also see Bryant get bigger and develop into a 3-tech prospect.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting under the radar right now but could potentially break through this Fall is Pearl Cohn junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2164147' first='Jacob' last='Robinson']</strong>. The Firebirds defensive tackle (116th overall/15th DL) is a compact, powerful interior lineman that shows the ability to break off blockers and disrupt the backfield. Robinson is built more to handle nose guard responsibilities but he has enough athleticism to provide the occasional pass rush. It will be interesting to see how this Nashville native progresses this year because I could see Robinson rising in our rankings with a strong junior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=DL" id="https://prepredzone.com/tennessee/rankings/2028-watch-list/?position=DL">TN2028 Defensive Line Rankings/Database</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2212463' first='Daylin' last='Stanley'] </strong>had about 2 or 3 more inches on him, he would be higher in our rankings while holding several offers already. The Whitehaven junior (118th overall/16th DL) is an active motor guy that uses his 6 '1 height and 245 pound frame to his advantage by getting under blockers with his bend and chasing down the ball. Stanley shows pass rush upside but also the ability to set the edge versus the run and force the ball carrier inside. Adding more power and weight to his body would help Stanley become more physical at the point of attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Nashville junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906125' first='Zamari' last='Davis'] </strong>(119th overall/17th DL) is one of the better two-way lineman we have from the TN2028 class that could boost his stock with improvement seen in his body and a productive junior campaign. The Eagles big man is a good athlete that shows interior pass rushing along with strength against the run game. Davis can push his game higher with dedication in the weight room forming his body and getting into better overall shape. College programs are showing interest in this guy and I think could extend offers with a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two under the radar guys that peak my interest are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2231361' first='Tripp' last='White'] </strong>(122nd overall/18th DL) from Seymour and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704673' first='Da'Ran' last='Taylor'] </strong>(138th overall/19th DL) out of Knox. Webb. I like the next level upside from both these East Tennessee prospects and what they could become down the road. There isn't a whole lot out there about White right now but I've seen enough from the Eagles junior to place him inside our rankings and keep him on my radar going forward as a potential pass rushing specialist. Taylor is an interesting guy as I could see him forming into an edge setting defensive end or an interior run stuffer. That all depends on his development with both his body and his game over the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2242245,"width":"262px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/drtaylor.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2242245" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->